Introduction
An inflammation of the fallopian tubes is called salpingitis in medical terminology and is one of the inflammations of the upper genital tract. In the majority of cases, both fallopian tubes are affected by the inflammation. An inflammation of the fallopian tubes usually occurs in connection with an inflammation of the ovary.
The combination of inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries is also called pelvic inflammatory disease. Tubal inflammation is a common gynecological disease that can affect women of all ages. However, there is an increased risk in young, sexually active women or women with intrauterine devices (IUDs). In most cases an inflammation of the fallopian tubes is caused by an ascending bacterial infection from the vagina or uterus.
Causes of inflammation of the fallopian tubes
Tubal or pelvic inflammation is often caused by an ascending infection from the vagina or uterus. The cause of such an ascending inflammation is a decrease in the natural protective barriers. The protective barrier may have been affected by e.g. menstruation, foreign bodies such as a coil, a birth or even vaginal surgery.
Bacterial or viral pathogens can now enter the body more easily and cause an infection due to the disrupted protective barrier. In the case of inflammation of the fallopian tubes, the bacterial pathogens are in the foreground; viruses are less frequently responsible for pelvic inflammation. Among the bacteria that are most frequently considered to be the triggers for an inflammation are the gonococci, which cause gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma.
In percentage terms, these three bacterial genera are responsible for the majority of inflammation. In addition to a disturbed barrier function, there is also an increased risk of pathogens entering the body during unprotected sexual intercourse, which can lead to the infectious transmission of bacteria or viruses. In addition, there are other strains of bacteria that can cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes.
These include Escherichia coli and other microorganisms, the so-called anaerobes, which are characterized by their ability to live in an oxygen-free environment. In girls or women who have not yet had sexual intercourse, an inflammation caused by tuberculosis bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) must also be considered. Inflammation of the fallopian tubes can originate directly from the genital organs (primary inflammation), or from other organs located in the abdominal cavity (secondary inflammation). For example, inflammation of the intestines can spread and cause inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. However, this type of pelvic inflammatory disease is extremely rare and occurs in less than one percent of cases.
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